The critically acclaimed play “Aadhe Adhure” by Hindi dramatist Mohan Rakesh is known for its poignant portrayal of the struggles faced by women. One of the most memorable scenes in the play features the character Savitri recalling the abuse she endured from her husband Mahinder. Savitri, the sole breadwinner of their family, faced resentment from her husband who suffered from self-pity, feelings of emasculation, and jealousy.
In a similar vein, the Palme d’Or winning film “Anatomy of a Fall” continues the exploration of these tensions surrounding men’s struggle with emasculating women. Set in France, the film delves into the gender dynamics that lead to women harming or killing men. While the film is presented as a courtroom whodunnit, it raises important questions about gender relations without being didactic.
For those who have criticized the misogyny in Ranbir Kapoor’s blockbuster film “Animal,” it is recommended to watch “Anatomy of a Fall.” The French film opens with novelist Sandra Voyter being interviewed by a literature student in a secluded chalet. During the interview, loud music suddenly blares from upstairs, and Sandra abruptly ends the conversation, revealing that her husband is responsible. Shortly after, Sandra’s husband Samuel is found dead by their blind son and the family dog, setting off a series of unsettling discoveries.
The film reveals that Sandra and Samuel moved to Grenoble from London to improve their financial situation. Samuel intended to use the move as an opportunity to work on his long-delayed book, but instead, he becomes preoccupied with renovating their chalet. Meanwhile, Sandra is interviewed while Samuel works in the loft, listening to loud music.
The film raises questions about why men often struggle when the spotlight is not on them and why society still views women through traditional gender roles. Samuel’s character garners sympathy after his death simply because he embodies qualities traditionally associated with women, such as being domestically inclined and prioritizing the care of their child with special needs. Despite continuing his academic job, making the decision to move, and repairing the chalet, Samuel remains deeply unhappy and dissatisfied, especially when compared to his successful spouse.
During the courtroom scenes, the film exposes the inherent misogyny embedded within societal systems. Sandra is presumed guilty of murdering her husband by almost everyone, reflecting the prejudices women face for survival in a world plagued by intimate partner violence. The involvement of Sandra’s former admirer as her attorney further complicates the issue, raising doubts about her trustworthiness. Can Sandra prove her innocence and protect not only herself but also her creative output as a novelist?
The film also explores the question of artistic morality, examining whether artists can escape scrutiny for operating in morally ambiguous spaces. How much of themselves do artists infuse into their work? Can their art be called to testify in court?
Through the trial, the film reveals not only details about the victim and the suspect but also the people involved in the proceedings. It questions whether legal processes are still influenced by archaic notions of purity and witchcraft.
Sandra’s move to a chalet in the French Alps, at the behest of her French husband, mirrors the experiences of many women who uproot their lives for the sake of their partners. However, is this enough for Samuel? They communicate in English, a compromise language for both of them, but does it fulfill Samuel’s needs? Sandra encourages Samuel to resume writing and provides feedback, but is that sufficient for him? Or is it all a trap?
The prosecution believes that Samuel’s blood incriminates Sandra, metaphorically implicating her in his demise. Can Sandra remove these metaphorical bloodstains? Director Justine Triet skillfully weaves these multi-layered themes throughout the film, with the family dog playing a pivotal role.
In the end, it is the dog that saves the characters’ souls, highlighting the importance of animals in our lives.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
